Oak & Orange: Poolside Paradise
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Dream Home 5
The incredibly talented design duo of Oak & Orange have done it once again. For their Dream Home 5, Heather and Susan created a Modern Aussie Resort. This large contemporary home was crafted in a half-moon design around a luxurious 12-metre-long alfresco entertaining area with outdoor living room, dining room, built-in barbecue island with wine fridge and a suspended Zen Fireplace. Paired with furniture from our outdoor collection, it truly is a poolside paradise!
Haven 2 Seater Lounge x 2
MODERN AUSSIE RESORT
Situated in the foothills of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, this brand-new home is one of their most luxurious yet. When it comes getting the luxury look in a newbuild or renovation, the costs can add up, which is why, Sarah says, it’s important to work out your most important lifestyle requirements in the early stages as you map out the project.
“I always make a dream list and a non-negotiable list. That always helps prioritise when it comes to the crunch on budget and what may need to go from the dream list in order to not sacrifice the non-negotiable,” Sarah explains.
For me a non-negotiable was the pool! I would have happily made sacrifices elsewhere to ensure I had budget for the swimming pool.
HOLIDAY AT HOME
Sarah’s goal from the get-go was to bring the vacay vibes home. “Holidays can be so far and few so we loved the idea of making our everyday home feel like a holiday. Inspiration was drawn from Balinese Villas, Byron Bay holiday homes as well as tropical islands. The inspiration for my pool colour was from nature itself and the crystal waters you see in the Whitsunday islands.”
Inspiration was drawn from Balinese Villas, Byron Bay holiday homes as well as tropical islands.
WARMTH & CONTRAST
To create the seamless look she was after in her pool area and alfresco, Sarah selected a limestone tile, and to complement the space she incorporated a lot of timber elements to add warmth and contrast.
“Do your research early on. There is plenty of resources out there on Pinterest and Instagram to visualise a finished product. Often that’s not only a great way to see what looks great together but also to see what not to do.”
Neutral tone, white timber and concrete always work well and add a warm inviting touch.
And in the living space, they installed a suspended fireplace so the outdoor seating area can be enjoyed year round, from balmy summer days as the kids make a splash in the pool to crisp winter evenings with a glass of red beneath the stars.
Haven 2 Seater Lounge x 2
INDOOR–OUTDOOR FLOW
Mastering the art of indoor-outdoor fusion, Sarah explains a few tactics to achieve this design element in your own home or renovation. “Large stacker doors are more cost effective than bifold doors and help open up the indoor to the outdoor to feel like one continues space,” she says.
“A similar flooring material or colour to the inside of the home to the outside can also help with the flow and give the illusion to one grand large space.
“And, finally, simple, but oh-so-effective, the addition of pot plants and greenery inside the home as well as the alfresco outdoor living gives the two areas consistency and flow. The bonus is it’s very budget-friendly — simply the cost of pots and plants required.”
What’s an Aussie dream home without loads of room to entertain and a killer pool and outdoor entertaining area?!
Haven 2 Seater Lounge x 2
Achieving THE DREAM
An Aussie Dream home needs to feel comfortable and relaxing, explains Sarah. Yet it’s about more than just looks — it also needs to be a dream to live in. “That means easy to clean and as low maintenance as possibly. Plus what’s an Aussie dream home without loads of room to entertain and a killer pool and outdoor entertaining area?!”
And lucky Sarah gets to enjoy it year round with her husband and three gorgeous kids as it’s their family home.
Get the look at home
For the Oak & Orange poolside paradise in their Modern Aussie Resort, Sarah and Heather used the Marson Dining Table, Weave Dining Chairs and Haven 2 Seater lounges. Shop in-store or online to create this relaxed outdoor-living vibe. To see more of Oak & Orange, check out their Dream Home 4: Palm Springs Retreat.
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What Limestone pavers were used here?! They’re beautiful!